'NRIs played vital role in the clearance of N-Bill'

The Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs said his ministry would ensure the involvement of NRIs in the economic development of India.

The Indian community in the United States played an effective role in the recent clearance of the civilian nuclear agreement between the two countries in the House of International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said.

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"The role played by the Indian American community shows their involvement, interest and commitment to the home country in whatever way they can. This a positive sign," Ravi said referring to the passage of the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement at the Indian Embassy on Wednesday evening.

He said the feeling of "we have done our little bit" had boosted the confidence level of NRIs.

Ravi said the Overseas Affairs Ministry would make all efforts to ensure the involvement of NRIs in the economic development of India.

"My ministry's main effort will be to encourage. The Indian community all over the world to become a partner in the progress and economic development of our country," Ravi said.

He pointed out that overseas remittances from NRIs were around $22 billion with $12 billion coming from the Gulf states alone.

The ministry will help every Non Resident Indian who wants to invest in India by putting them in touch with the states, Ravi said.